Budget Brisbane: Exploring Queensland's capital for less

Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

Get your bearings with Brisbane Greeters

When you’re in a new city, local intel can really help you find your feet, fast. Brisbane Greeters run a range of free, guided tours that you can easily book in advance online. From exploring the cultural history of Fortitude Valley to wandering the streets of inner-city Brisbane on a twilight walking tour, seeing the city with a friendly local by your side is a top way to feel at ease in Queensland’s capital, especially if you’re flying solo.

Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

Go on a no-cost cruise

You may not be able to stump up for a cruise on a private yacht but thanks to the CityHopper, anyone in Brisbane can enjoy some time on the water without parting with a cent. The free ferry service that runs along the Brisbane River includes seven, convenient stops between North Quay and Sydney Street, New Farm. Whether you’re getting from one place to another or going for a joyride to get the lay of the land when you first arrive, the CityHopper is a must-do for anyone new to Brisbane.

Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

Wheel around the city

Sure, walking is a great way to see a new city on a budget but zipping around on a bike or scooter is way more fun. With thousands of e-bikes and e-scooters across Brisbane, you can get from A to B easily and cheaply by renting some wheels on-the-go. Instead of waiting around for a bus or train, scooters and bikes get you on your way instantly. All you need to do is download the Neuron or Beam app, enter your payment details, strap on your helmet and away you go. A quick spin will cost you just a few bucks, while longer rides will still work out cheaper (and undoubtedly more enjoyable) than catching an Uber or hiring a car for the day.

Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

Discover the city’s culture and arts scene

If you’re flush with cash you could splash out on tickets to see a show or gig but there’s also plenty of ways to be entertained without parting with money. In South Brisbane, the Queensland Art Gallery (QAG) and Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) have free or low-cost art collections to see, including free arthouse movie and documentary screenings on most days. Over in New Farm, the Brisbane Powerhouse hosts everything from food markets to photography exhibitions and other free events and shows. If you’re a history buff, the State Library of Queensland offers free tours of its collection too, including military diaries, letters, photos and other artefacts from the Anzac Square Memorial Galleries. For some belly laughs, scout out one of the many free stand-up comedy sets run by the crew from the Sit Down Comedy Club. Love music? You’ll appreciate City Sounds – a long-running free public music program that fills the city’s streets and parklands with tunes. Whatever genre you’re into (funk, soul, jazz, classical, blues, folk and beyond are all covered) City Sounds is a great way to catch some free live music.

Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

Fill up on Eat Street

Brisbane is home to more than 30 hatted (see: pricey) restaurants but there’s also lots of low-cost eats to sink your teeth into. Held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, Eat Street is a gastronomic experience that won’t break the bank. What was once a container wharf is now a destination where you can find international street eats, beer, wine, cocktails and entertainment all in one place. Catch the CityCat to the wharf, pay the small entry free, then go wild trying dumplings, freshly shucked oysters, Vietnamese spring rolls, waffles, donuts and more from the 70 vendors found on site. Depending on when you visit, you’ll be able to catch a DJ set, break-dancing performance or jazz band on stage too.

Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

Pack a picnic

Fun fact: In the Brisbane City Council area there are more than 2180 parks for you to visit to kick a footy, throw a frisbee and go for a wander (and maybe even pat a friendly dog or two if you’re lucky). If you’re on a budget and want to have an al fresco meal to remember, simply head to a supermarket or farmers market and create a DIY grazing platter with fresh strawberries, grapes, cheese, crackers, sourdough, dips and olives. Pack a rug or a few beach towels, some sunscreen, a hat, and head to one of the thousands of parks to choose from in Brisbane. Roma Street Parkland, City Botanic Gardens, New Farm Park, Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens and the Sherwood Arboretum are outstanding choices for a lazy, long picnic lunch in the shade.

Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

Make a beeline for the beach

Queensland’s beach culture is legendary. While Brisbane City doesn’t have any surf beaches like the Gold Coast, it does have Streets Beach – Australia’s only artificial, inner-city beach. The sprawling, landscaped lagoon located in the South Bank Parklands is free to use and patrolled by lifeguards throughout the year. A bonus that comes with taking a dip at this swimming spot is that you don’t need to worry about sharks, stingers, currents or being dumped in big waves. Not many other cities in the world have a huge, sandy beach smack-bang in the centre of town, so when Brisbane heats up, be sure to take the opportunity to cool off at Streets Beach – it’s a one-of-a-kind travel experience.

Words: Jo Stewart

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